PARIS, ON - The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are helping the province's agri-food sector improve biosecurity measures to further protect locally raised livestock and poultry from diseases and pests.
The governments highlighted this priority commitment today with an announcement of support for Soil Solutions Plus Inc., in St. George, where they are providing funds to install modern and efficient equipment to power-wash vehicles. The project will mitigate the risk of vehicles used by the agri-consulting firm inadvertently transferring materials between farms that could be dangerous to farmed animals. These projects are part of the governments' biosecurity investments that have totalled more than $2 million for over 90 projects. The cost-share funding is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership).
Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman made the announcement at nearby Browndale Farm, in Paris. Through the Partnership, both governments have also contributed to three projects that boost biosecurity at Browndale Farm.
"These investments to enhance biosecurity measures will help the sector adopt the highest standards in risk mitigation and support the sustainability and productivity of Ontario farms," said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
"The health and welfare of our farmed animals is a shared responsibility among the government, farmers, the broader agri-food industry, and anyone who visits a farm," said Minister Hardeman. "Investing in biosecurity projects like this helps protects our farmers, their animals and the economy by reducing the risk of visitors to the farm accidently introducing and spreading diseases and pests."
The Soil Solutions Plus Inc. project is among more than 40 projects supported in the sector through the Partnership this year to assist a variety of biosecurity improvement projects.
To date, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share support to more than 2,000 projects through the Partnership to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.
Source : Ontario